Long night ends with winner by Selolwane

Fire in title game after lightning delays semifinal

Fire 1, Battery 0

August 26, 2004|By Dave Surico, Tribune staff reporter.

For the second straight Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match, an Orlando Perez pass to Dipsy Selolwane was the difference for the Fire.

This time Selolwane headed home a Perez pass in the second minute of the second overtime Wednesday night to give the Fire a 1-0 Cup semifinal victory over the Charleston Battery at North Central College in Naperville.

With the victory, the Fire gets the chance to defend its tournament crown against host Kansas City on Sept. 22. The Wizards beat San Jose 1-0 Tuesday night.

Craig Capano, who entered the game moments before the winning goal, sent a ball to the far side of the field to Perez. Selolwane made contact from 10 yards out. U.S. Open rules allow for only one assist per goal.

"I had a feeling that this was a game for Dipsy," Fire coach Dave Sarachan said. "He's a guy that's a little quicker, a little bit better on this surface with his first touch. Maybe this is his tournament. He gets us the win again."

The victory ended a long night. The game was suspended after halftime because of lightning and the 1,847 patrons were cleared from the stands. Play was resumed after a 1-hour-43-minute delay. The long wait was worth it for the Fire, which finally put away its tough A-League opponent.

"It's been our goal since the beginning of the year to be in two finals," Sarachan said, referring also to the MLS Cup. "We were pretty excited when that ball went in. I think everybody's looking forward at having the chance to raise another trophy."

Regular defender Kelly Gray started in the midfield. Chris Armas (right knee inflammation) and Jesse Marsch (right ankle pain) did not dress for the game. Results from an MRI performed on Armas Wednesday are due Thursday.

The Fire, three-time Cup champions in the team's first six seasons, is 18-3-1 all time and 9-0 at home in the 91-year-old tournament.

The Cup is open to amateur and professional teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The competition is similar to popular tournaments in many other countries.